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does cartridge output level affect surface noise?

I have a dartzeel phone preamplifier that requires the phono cartridge to be between .3mv and 1mv.

I am currently using the benz low output mc micro ace which is .4mv.

Benz also makes a .8mv medium output micro ace.

I love the sound of the cartridge but wonder if the medium output cartridge all else being equal (with the amp, cartridge alignment, turntable (technics mlk5g), tonearm, and isolation) would be more or the same or less sensitive to surface noise.

thanks

michael
radioheadokplayer

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I have found that what most significantly affects how signal-to-noise is heard, is cartridge/arm set up and alignment. Since acheiving what has to be perfection, or awful close to it, I am able to listen to old lp's that were unlistenable before. Try getting a Mintlp tractor, and see how much less surface noise intrudes in your lp listening.
Regards, and good listening,
Dan
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